Canadian Rules — Transport Canada RPAS
In Canada, recreational drone operations are governed by Transport Canada's RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems) regulations. As of 2026, the key requirements for hobby FPV drone pilots are:
- Registration: any drone 250g or heavier must be registered with Transport Canada. Registration costs $5 CAD and is valid for 3 years. Custom-built drones register as "other" in the drone type field.
- Pilot certificate: recreational drone pilots require a Basic RPAS Pilot Certificate at minimum. The Basic exam is 35 multiple-choice questions, free to study for online, and costs $10 CAD. Pass rate is high with a week of study.
- Marking: your registration number must be permanently marked on the drone in a legible font, minimum 6mm tall. 3D print a small registration plate — it is the cleanest solution.
- Sub-250g exception: drones under 250g (all-up weight including battery) do not require registration or a pilot certificate for recreational flight. A very light FPV build can qualify, but most 5-inch freestyle setups exceed 250g.
The NAV DRONE app (free, iOS/Android) is the official Transport Canada airspace tool — always check it before flying anywhere in Canada. Controlled airspace within 3 nautical miles of an airport requires RPAS Advanced certification and air traffic control authorisation.
US Rules — FAA
In the United States, recreational drone operations fall under FAA rules. As of 2026:
- TRUST certification: all recreational fliers must complete The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST). It is free, takes about 30 minutes, and never expires. You need a completion certificate available when flying.
- FAA Registration: drones 250g or heavier require FAA registration ($5, valid 3 years). Custom-built drones register as "home-built." Your registration number must be visible on the aircraft.
- Community Based Organisation: recreational fliers must fly within the safety guidelines of an FAA-accepted CBO (such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics). Flying within AMA guidelines covers most hobbyist FPV operations.
- Airspace: Class G airspace (uncontrolled, below 400ft AGL) is where most FPV flying happens. Controlled airspace near airports requires prior authorisation via the FAA LAANC system (automated, often instant for approved locations).
Airspace Tools
Canada: NAV DRONE app — official Transport Canada tool, shows controlled airspace zones, active NOTAMs, and drone flight restrictions in real time. Always check before flying. USA: FAA DroneZone for registration and LAANC applications. B4UFLY app for pre-flight airspace checks. AirMap for real-time airspace awareness during flight planning.
Both countries update their airspace restrictions regularly. A location that was legal to fly 6 months ago may have new restrictions today. Checking the official app immediately before flying is always the correct practice, regardless of past experience at a location.
Quick Compliance Summary
Canada: Register your drone ($5 CAD) → get your Basic RPAS certificate ($10 CAD) → mark your registration number on the drone → check NAV DRONE before every flight. USA: Complete TRUST (free) → register your drone ($5 USD) → mark registration number → check B4UFLY before every flight. Both countries: stay below 400ft AGL, stay visible, stay away from airports without authorisation. This covers the vast majority of recreational FPV drone operations in both countries.